Comments on: A Recipe for More Engaging Software Demos

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:10:29 +0000

The training sessions for Microsoft Office at my job have handouts with each session. The handouts have step-by-step instructions with screencaps. The instructors usually follow close to the handouts. They show what to do on their screen which is projected via overhead projector, and then have the students do the same steps and help individual students if necessary. After the session, they will also answer questions and explain other things.

I keep the handouts on hand to refer back to. I’ve also printed out similar step-by-step instructions with screencaps for common tasks performed in Microsoft Office. I added a table of contents divided into sections and put it in a binder. The binder is available for library patrons and workers to use.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:20:58 +0000

As an end user, most of the training I get seems to be along the lines of “pack as much as possible into the alloted time”. Totally overwhelming.

By: Holly

Holly — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:41:03 +0000

I’m like 4feer. I usually train internal employees on software they will be using to do their jobs.

It’s important to know the business processes that surround the actual software steps. For example, if they are learning how to put invoice data into a system, how do they get the invoices? Are they paper or electronic? If something is illegible, whom can they turn to for help?

By approaching it holistically (for lack of a better word), I can hold the students’ interest because most people like to talk about their job. We’re not talking about clicks and screens and buttons, but a tool that will help them do their job.

The larger the class, the harder it is to keep everyone on the same page. You’ll always have the sharpies who speed ahead, the followers who match your every step, and the laggards who get stuck on the login page or maybe just have a faulty computer or connection.

As an instructor, you have to have a sanguine approach. If you get flustered or discouraged or snippy, you’re toast. You must stay calm.

By: Tom

Tom — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:07:32 +0000

Thanks 4feer for sharing your method. I think that would work well. I’m fond of the idea of demonstrating a task and then asking others to repeat. Thanks.

I think often when we demo 8-10 tasks in a row in lecture style we think others are getting it. But then we realize, when they attempt to do it themselves, that they have many questions.

By: 4feer

4feer — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:04:12 +0000

I’ve done software demos on our company products, sharepoint, and Microsoft Word for adult learners.

Usually in a class of 3-4 they get lost in the first 2 minutes. Then I have to repeat and do every step slower.
If i have no printed handouts (for quick 1 hour lessons)
I write on the whiteboard all the class objectives i.e. tasks to complete within the hour, 4-5 key tasks.
I tell them to watch and take note as I perform one task. Then give them 2 minutes to replicate what I did.
Then when everyone is comfortable I move on to the next task on the board.
Sometimes its frustrating, to them, because I may move too fast, or they may see something interesting they want to experiment with but the class is too structured to let them experiment… experimenting is great way to learn, but a headache for trainers managing a class when training with a set of clear lesson objectives…:)